Sunday 12th August 2012, Elwood
Elwood 0 - Central Park 2
"You turned up because 'why?' Hendy?"
You read correctly, club legend Mark 'Hendy' Henderson made a surprise appearance on Sunday, not to put in a cameo (yes, yes we've learnt from that mistake, "big brother is watching" etc, etc) or even to cheer the lads on (though we know his heart lies with the Red and Black). So as excitement rippled through the AC ranks at a possible re-defection by Hendy, reality hit home – as he was
only returning borrowed Central Park property and delivering a Dora microphone for Steve’s
daughter – much to Steve’s chagrin.
On a lovely sunny day down at the Elwood grounds, a strong
line up was on hand – Colin again in nets, Steve and Rod in the
middle and Dan leading the way
on the flanks. Our regular midfield trio of George, Nick J and John ensured Elwood would feel like they were running on the more familiar surface of sand.
With the dynamic duo Gaz and Rich O upfront with Alex playing just behind, and a fantastic back up in
Tom to come off the bench, an upset with very much within reach.
The opening half hour was dominated by Central Park, with the midfield dominant but just lacking
a final killer pass (or perhaps the forwards (Owen) too slow?).
Elwood though
hit back in last 15 mins of the half with Colin pulling off two
outstanding saves - the first with his feet, the other a push around the post
- an ungodly sight as the goalie top looked more like a potato sack on Colin compared to a 'rippling' Tim. (It's my party and i'll cry if i want to, so ner!)
Half
time and it was all square at 0 - 0, but confidence hummed through the AC camp. Conversely, Elwood looked like
they were getting a bit tired as they were even older than Central Park! (in saying
that I think I am by far the oldest now at 40! *Richard Owen)
After
some wise and sage words from Rod plus the all important orange burst
(supplied by rodders himself) – we entered the second half with gusto!
The
crowd now growing to around 30 (biggest all season) saw a second half
dominated by a confident Central Park side. Defence was as hard as a rock - someone from the crowd referring to Gibraltar at one stage, whilst a random beach pervert offloaded a Viagra quip (Richard, please! family blog), and as expected the Central Park midfield were running rings around their weary opponents whilst our forwards caused havoc!
It was then that one
of the many flowing moves saw the first goal transpire – a long ball
was sent up the left wing where Rich O collected and laid it off to a
rampaging George whose delicate touch put Nick J in acres of space. Still 25 yards out, Nick pulled the trigger and bang! In she went, top
corner – the (slightly overweight) Elwood keeper nowhere near it! A well
deserved 1-0 lead. (note that my wife and two kids came to the game –
but none of them saw my goal – why bother I ask! *Richard 'worlds smallest violin' Owen).
Still
dominating the game but being frustrated by several offside decisions
(not sure if people understand this rule sometimes!), Central Park were awarded a
free kick after a fabulous run by Tom. Stevie C stepped up and put a cm
perfect cross on the noggin of the veteran Welshman who let the
ball do the work by hitting his head and flying into the roof of the
net! GAME OVER!!!
Elwood
huffed and puffed for the final 15 but still Colin didn’t make a save
in the 2nd half – shots from 40 yards being the only threat from Elwood
now – and some constant whinging by a grey haired pommie lad from
Yorkshire!
Gaz nearly put the icing on the cake with an audacious back heal attempt late on – only to be stymied by an Elwood defender
Best – Nick J/Alex
No comments:
Post a Comment